Thursday, July 09, 2015

When I told Chango the results of the voting for Favorite Backyard Chicken Blog, he gently reminded me that "There's more to life than awards, and commercial success. There are naps, back scratches, drinking water from the tap, rolling in catnip."

Hazel Nutt Ratty Rat's whiskers twitched thoughtfully, then she theorized that the whole thing was likely a scheme, rigged, probably a fly-by-night operation. Then she asked if there would be a second dinner. "Not to change the subject," she said, "but let's not lose sight of what matters, right?"

"ChickenBlog is not the first, nor the second, not even the third Favorite Backyard Chicken Blog," I told Mister Foo. He yawned, then showed me his belly, which I did not rub, because there's only so many times I'm going to fall for that ploy.

They knew it all along. "Write a Goat Blog!" they advised me. "Goats are trending, and we look so cute," they mentioned, time, and time again. Now, Tasha can hardly meet my eyes, and Ada just shakes her head, and looks at me sympathetically, with pity.

Goats know, I tell you. They just know.

I haven't even told the chickens, yet. There's no ribbon for sixth place. What if they ask to move to another coop, lay eggs for another backyard chicken blogger?? I think it's best if we just hide the newspapers, turn off the radios, and let this news day pass. Some new event is bound to come along, then we can forget all about this little embarrassment. Don't worry. We'll be fine. Really.

{Did you follow the link? Did you notice it was possibly the starkest website ever? Me, too. I was trying to think what to say about his work, whether to share my impressions, describe his materials, the light, the use of space, but I think I will defer to the artist's tone, and let the images speak for themselves. Art.}

We followed this with a visit to Space 4 Art, where we found a rambling, captivating, and inspiring center for art... for living, creating, reflecting, sharing, and performing. We were instantly drawn, magnetically attracted. Here are some pictures I snapped while we were there... just a small glimpse of a place that is obviously rich in opportunity, and possibilities. We were invited to see the working studios of both Chris Warr, and May-Ling Martinez.

{For the record, I am perfectly amenable to occupying an urban-loft-warehouse, with rooftop chickens, and alley goats. This place somewhat reminds me of our own Bird House Space 4 Make.}

Tuesday, July 07, 2015

How to describe twenty-six years of marriage? This could take volumes, pages and pages, thousands of pictures, maybe a blog of 26 years, not merely 13. Our twenty-six years of marriage have been exhilarating. An adventure on black ice, skating at high speed, with everything ahead of us, and beauty all around us. Our marriage has been a road trip, with no brakes {twice, actually}, with children, pets, friends, spills, detours, unexpected sights, familiar rest stops, flat tires, and a constant compass: Love. And I cannot help but notice that this anniversary feels particularly poignant and meaningful, because I believe that blessings, opportunities, even a simple meal, are all enhanced and far more enjoyable when shared. So if I may, as a long-married woman, who still feels like a giddy girl in love, I would like to wish love and companionship, respect and caring, partnership, and beauty, through marriage, for all who seek it.

Monday, July 06, 2015

I do not know where to start I do not know where to end! I could begin anywhere, I have so many things to share, moments, places, stuff we've seen and done. It's been a full, active summer, so far. And, so far there are no particularly grand plans, or too many specific agendas, except: Go, Do, Enjoy. And while Carpe Diem, Mañana, may fit my reality quite succinctly, I am insisting that we Carpe Diem, Hoy!

Good Things...

1. Books, books, books, and making the time to enjoy them. Summer reading, much like spring, winter and fall reading, is full and satisfying. Which reminds me... I need to tidy our Little Free Library. It's packed!

2. Zen Tangles. My friend Annie, over at Being Here, will be tickled to see that we've finally taken the time to dabble in an artistic pursuit that she has been enjoying, and even teaching, for quite some time. I've been intrigued by Zen Tangles, and then really inspired, seeing Annie's progress. One evening last week I shared some of Annie's gorgeous works with Maria, and the very next day we happened upon a wall of supplies for playing at Zen Tangles. We are hooked!

3. One university visit done. And done well. The funny part is that it was for Max, but Maria is the one who is decided and settled, and would happily submit her application this fall!

4. Summer Movie Nights. The big screen, a full house, some things spontaneous, friends, and of course, a movie. First we finished the LOTR trilogy, by watching Return of the King. Last week we watched Moonrise Kingdom. Next up: Lawrence of Arabia.

5. Our weather. Seriously, how will I ever be able to face real summer when the sun finally does shine in earnest? We have had day after marvelous day of clouds, and breezes, and showers, mist, even thunder and lightning! I have never known anything quite like this... not in Southern California. Feels like Waimea, east side. I love this weather!

Maybe I will share pictures from the art studios and gallery we visited, scenes from our day at UCSD, moments we enjoyed at Robin's birthday party. I spent part of my morning editing and formatting 53 photographs! It's nice, really very nice, how a simple snapshot can fill my head with good feelings, happy recollections, new ideas, contentment, gratitude. It's a helpful measure to have these reminders on hand for when managing the other, less shiny, aspects of life, right? It's Monday, again, and maybe you are in traffic, or in your cubicle, there may be a litter box to clean, mail to sort, or some other crisis to face, but I am hoping you have something good to reflect on, reminders of joy, kind company, sights, inspiration, comfort. {I am thinking of all my friends, loved ones, and sending good thoughts, and best wishes for this new week.}

Sunday, July 05, 2015

Do you remember the game Duck-Duck-Goose, and the mush pot? I have to admit, I'd forgotten the mush pot, which isn't surprising since this is a game I have not played since kindergarten. {ohmygosh! Wikipedia is so awesome they even have a simple animation to illustrate how the game is played!} Friday night found us hanging out with goats and chickens and friends, when Amira exclaimed,

"We should be playing Duck, duck, goose!"

Maybe... but shouldn't it be Chicken, chicken, goat??

Of course it should.

Round and round the fox goes... chicken, chicken, chicken, chicken...

Goat!

Corina and Caia, Maria in the mush pot, Rayna, Matthew, Grant, and Amira is the fox.

Celine on the run!

Well, that was certainly fun! Maybe next Friday we will play Simon Says?

Followers

Chirp-Chirp-Chirp BirdHouse Notes

Phew... last time I was here I was worrying about red flags, then suddenly it was PURPLE!? Crazy few days, with some surprises. Now, I am just sending my best thoughts for people trying to recover from these fires, and even, still fighting the California wildfires. Stay strong, all.

December 12, 2017

11:00 am

"Red Flag Warning" has always been the message that put me on edge. Last night our phones alarmed with a text message: "Purple Flag Warning." Purple is a higher level of fire danger... high winds blowing east to west, low humidity, and loads of dry brush in canyons and open spaces. It was a restless night. And I don't expect much relief until Los Angeles and Ventura are safe.

December 7, 2017

Angelinos, take care. California wild fires, all fires, unnerve me. We've evacuated three times, and witnessed the fear and dread first hand. Praying for the first responders, and for a break in the weather.

December 6, 2017

10:40 am

Blogging, like a pair of jeans that most would have thrown out by now... worn, faded, out of style. But so familiar and comfortable, dependable somehow, too... so I keep 'em.

December 4, 2017

10:28 am

Looking for a reasonable means of being in Oregon, and Wisconsin for Christmas... also would like to have all of our friends, family and pets with us, too. We don't need fancy trimmings or luxury accommodations. Just a group hug, and time together gathered around a kitchen table, with some tea.

November 25, 2017

11:08 am

Our Thanksgiving forecast is looks like a hot day in July. I suggested to my friend, Anna Banana, "Next year in NY!" Where would you like to spend Thanksgiving? If you came to California, you could have turkey and stuffing on the beach, and then surf!

November 21, 2017

9:11 am

Never question whether a day can “get any worse.” I’ve been making that mistake for about a year.

November 20, 2017

4:59 pm

Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude.

Excuse me while I practice my "gratitude," which is being sorely tested... this year.